Background

Progressive disorder heralded by impairment of recent memory and other cognitive deficits

Occurs in 10-15% of HIV+ patients; 30% of patients with CD4 <100

Diagnosis of exclusion

Clinical Features

Can initially be confused with depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse

Changes in mental status

Aphasia

Motor abnormalities. Patients with an established diagnosis of AIDS dementia who develop progressive neurologic or psychologic signs or symptoms warrant further evaluation for systemic or CNS processes